Too nimble to die -- Where's Pearl Harbor? -- Don't show me up, you little twerp! -- The reluctant dogface -- Breakfast first, then bullets -- Hedgerow country -- Breakthrough -- Over by Christmas -- Facing the line -- A new way of fighting -- Alone -- Shrapnel of the heart -- I'll write to you -- No rest for the weary -- No way out...alive -- Life by a thread -- Would she say yes?
Summary:
Ray and Betty Whipps both served in Europe during WWII: Ray as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris, and Belgium, and Betty as a field nurse in Cherbourg, France. The two met when Betty tended to Ray after he was injured in a mortar blast. Both strong Christians, the two bonded over their shared faith, and as Betty nursed Ray back to health, they fell in love and vowed to marry after the war. However, soon after Ray returned to his unit, he was captured by German forces and held captive in Stalag VII, Germanys largest prisoner of war camp. It was there that Rays faith was put to the ultimate test as he endured the most horrific weeks of his lifeweeks marked by brutality, malnutrition, back-breaking labor, and near-constant death. The only thing that kept him alive was the dream of someday reuniting with Betty.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.